Natalie G’s story

I was experiencing stomach cramps and constipation in November 2020. I was referred to a gastroenterologist and booked in for a colonoscopy in January 2021.

The symptoms got worse and I went into hospital. I had a CT scan that detected a blockage. After a week in the hospital and some bowel movement I was sent home with a diagnosis of possible diverticulitis.

Symptoms did ease with a program of daily Metamucil. However, Boxing Day 2020 I started having diarrhoea while on holidays and I was also not able to hold down food. I went to a local doctor who provided meds for a gastro bug.

The symptoms continued for a few more weeks and by 27th January 2021 the cramping was so severe I went to hospital. I had a CT scan and was booked in for emergency surgery the next day as there was a blockage. They had to replace the dissected bowel with a stoma.

After surgery there was an indication, it was cancer and later confirmed by pathology. I was sent home two weeks later.

I met with the oncologist in February to discuss treatment. At this stage we were looking at a potential curable bowel cancer. I needed chemo and radiotherapy. I then had to have more surgery for the remaining parts of cancer in my pelvis.

I was booked in to have a port put in for chemo on 17th March.

However I was not holding down food and on the 14th of March I was rushed into hospital. I was taken straight into the emergency room and put on a drip as I was severely dehydrated. I was admitted to the ward.

The 17th of March I was transported to Sydney’s RPA to expedite the surgery. This was booked in for March 31st.

I had a rapid 7-day treatment of radiation before surgery.